Bicycle handlebar assembly with forearm support

ABSTRACT

A bicycle handlebar assembly including a stem extension and a handlebar cross member, a pair of steering bars affixed perpendicular to the handlebar cross member, and a pair of forearm supports affixed to the handlebar cross member in proximity with the steering bars. The gear shifting and brake controls are placed at the forward ends of the two steering bars. An embodiment of the invention would allow this handlebar assembly to be raised or lowered as the rider desires, to provide raised comfort position and a lowered aerodynamic position. The forearm supports and steering bars provide comfort and control to the rider not provided by typical handlebars. Alternatively the pair of steering bars could be replaced with a single closed steering bar circuit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of and claims priority in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/203,545, filed Jul. 6, 2016, which claimspriority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/188,915, filedJul. 6, 2015 which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a bicycle handlebar assembly,and more specifically to handlebar assembly including forearm supportsfor minimizing impact on a rider's hands and wrists while maintainingsuperior control and handling of the bicycle.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many people enjoy riding bicycles or other similar vehicles; however,some are not able to ride as often as they like due to wrist or handinjuries or sensitivity while riding. Since the operator of a typicalbicycle must grip the handlebars in front of them, any impact againstthe front wheel of the bicycle will be transferred up the frame of thebicycle and will jolt the operator's hands and wrists. Often riders cansuffer discomfort or pain in their wrists and hands while riding, andthis discomfort can prevent the rider from riding.

Existing bicycles or attachments for bicycles include what are wellknown in the art as “aerobars.” These aerobars allow the rider to leanforward on the bicycle, placing their forearms into supports andgripping narrowly-spaced handlebars for increased aerodynamicperformance. However, in this position the rider loses a great deal ofcontrol over the bicycle due to their new orientation on the bike andthe narrow spacing of the handles.

What is needed is a handlebar assembly with forearm rests that allowusers to eliminate impacts on their hands and wrists, while maintainingthe comfortable riding position enjoyed with typically-spacedhandlebars.

Heretofore there has not been available a bicycle handlebar assemblywith the advantages and features of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides a bicycle handlebar assemblyincluding a stem extension and a handlebar cross member, a pair ofsteering bars affixed perpendicular to the handlebar cross member, and apair of forearm supports affixed to the handlebar cross member inproximity with the steering bars. The gear shifting and brake controlsare placed at the forward ends of the two steering bars.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention includes anadjustable handlebar cross member assembly which may be raised andlowered along a mounting structure affixed to a stem extension. Thisallows a more experienced bicycle rider to lower the handlebars whilethe vehicle is in operation to obtain a more aerodynamic position. Thisdesign not only spreads the forearm supports, but it also raises thehandlebar cross member, so the rider both sits up higher in a moretraditional and comfortable way, and rides with arms more spread apartin a more traditional and comfortable way

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating variousobjects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is a side-elevational view of a first embodiment of the presentinvention shown in a typical environment of a bicycle.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a component thereof.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of presentinvention shown in a typical environment of a bicycle.

FIG. 6A is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment thereof.

FIG. 6B is a side elevational view of yet another alternative embodimentthereof.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view thereof shown in a lowered position.

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view thereof shown in a raised position.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS I. Introduction andEnvironment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosedherein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects aremerely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart how to variously employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description forconvenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up,down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientatedin the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly”refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometriccenter of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof.Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction oftravel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the wordsspecifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similarmeaning.

II. First Embodiment Bicycle Handlebar System 2

FIGS. 1-4 show a first embodiment of the present invention. A U-shapedtube 20 connected to a horizontal crossbar 18 forms the basic frame 8 ofthe handlebar assembly 4. The tube 20 connects to the stem 16 of thebicycle 3 above the steerer tube 17 and is secured by a stem clamp plate19, just out in front of the top tube 15 as shown in FIG. 4. A pair ofsteering bars 10 are mounted to the horizontal crossbar 18 and spacedapart to provide typical steering control of the handlebar assembly,unlike existing aerobar assemblies which are placed close together toprovide an aerodynamic position with a sacrifice in steering control andcomfort.

The assembly is raised up perpendicular to the bicycle tire 5, such thatthe rider can grip the steering bars 10 while mostly seated up in aposition resembling a typical casual bicycle riding position.Approximately a 45 degree angle would be a preferable angle between thetube 20 and the stem 16. A pair of forearm supports 14 are placedoutside of the steering bars, mounted preferably to the steering bars 10but may be optionally mounted directly onto the horizontal crossbar. Therider will place their forearms onto the support pads 14 and will thengrip the steering bars 10 about the handles 12 which are projected outin front of the crossbar 18. The handles 12 include connections andcontrols for the bicycle 3 brakes via the brake lines 22. All of thegear switching controls and brake controls are located at the end of thesteering bars, and the steering bars are shaped to accommodate therider's hands. In this position, any impact that would normally be sentup the bicycle's frame to the rider's hands and wrists is insteadtransferred to the rider's forearms through the padded supports, therebynullifying what would otherwise be a jarring impact that could injure oraggravate the rider's hands and wrists.

This assembly provides a user with familiar steering control over abicycle that is otherwise lost using typical aerobar assemblies, whileproviding structural and comfortable support against the rider'sforearms, preventing injury or discomfort to the rider's hands andwrists.

III. Second Embodiment Bicycle Handlebar System 102

FIGS. 5-10 show a second embodiment handlebar assembly 104 for a bicycle3. Here, the stem 16 extension attaches to an adjustable mount base 106which acts as a stop to a pair of slides 108 which slide along a pair oftubes 120 extending upwards toward the rider. These tubes 120 functionas a ramp to allow the assembly to slide from a raised position to alowered position. A crossbar 118 similar to the crossbar of theembodiment above is connected to these tubes via the slides 108 and canbe slid up and down as the rider desires. The lower setting simulatesthe standard drop bars that riders employ on their handlebars when theywish to reposition into a lowered, more aerodynamic position. Unlikeaerobars, this embodiment would maintain typical control over thehandlebar while allowing the user to take advantage of a moreaerodynamic position. The bars 110 include forearm supports 114 and endgrips 112 which include the controls for brakes and gearing and areattached to brake and control lines 122 and switches 124 for suchcontrol.

In one embodiment 204 as shown in FIG. 6A, the slides 108 would betriggered by an electric lock 206 which would prevent the bar from beingraised or lowered except for when it is released by the rider using theswitch 126 mechanism to unlock the slides 108 from the tubes 120,thereby preventing an accidental lowering or raising of the bar. Theuser would press a switch 126 which would release the lock, therebyallowing the structure to be lowered to a desired level, after which itwould be locked into place again until the user decided to raise orlower the bar. Preferably the switch 126 is placed on the inside of thebars 110 to prevent accidental pressing of the switch. A releasemechanism physically interlocks with the tubes 120 and can be releasedusing an electric motor, gear, or any other mechanical or electricaldevice 208. Approximately a 45 degree angle would be a preferable anglebetween the tubes 120 and the stem 16.

In the case of an electrically operated device 208, a servo or similarunit, or motor, could operate a release and locking mechanism, allowingthe user to move the bars either up and backward toward the user orlower and forward away from the user, and then locking the bars in thenew position. If instead a cable-actuated non-electric release 256 asshown in FIG. 6B and embodiment 254 is used, a lever 258 or othermechanical device would be used to a similar effect. As an alternative,a motor could be used with or without gearing or a toothed or screwdrive to directly move the assembly up or down along the path guided bythe tubes and the slides.

Other means of raising and lowering the assembly could be employed, suchas a lever or a manual lock. Still other options include the cross barbeing attached to two parallel tubes, which then slide through a fixedcross piece that is attached to the stem. Another alternative systemwould be more like a single ramp device. Another would be adouble-hinged folding arm. Yet another possible way to construct thiswould be to use one or more telescoping supports which allow the tubesto slide into lower sections when the bar is lowered and slide out oflower sections (e.g. telescope) when raised. Suffice it to say thatthere are a number of possible mechanisms for accomplishing the movementof the cross bar down and forward or up and back while riding.

Similarly, the release and locking element could be a screw mechanism,possibly even powered, that would itself move the cross bar, rather thanthe cross bar being moved by the rider's pushing or pulling. In anon-powered device, the user would raise and lower the crossbar usingthe locking element to move the bar between one of multiple positionsalong the tubes 120.

Like in the previous embodiment, the steering bars 110 are affixed tothe horizontal crossbar 118 and project away from the rider. Allcontrols are located at the end of these steering bars in the grips 112.A forearm rest 114 is attached to the steering bar to accept the user'sforearms, thereby removing impact from the user's wrists and hands.

The drawings show the pair of slides 108 traveling along a pair of tubes120. Alternatively, a single tube could be used, or another comparablestructure entirely could be used as long as the handlebar assembly isallowed to move up and toward the user in a raised position and down andaway from the user when in an aerodynamic position. This action asdiscussed above could be activated by a switch or a lever or somecomparable device. Similarly, the steering bars 110 may be selectivelymoved outwards or inwards as the user desires. This action may also beactivated using a switch or lever allowing for quick and safedisplacement of the bars. Also, unlike as shown in the drawing, thetubes 120 could be physically connected to the slides 108 such that hetubes actually slide within the blocks 106 and do not extend up towardthe user while the assembly is in a lowered, aerodynamic position.

The slides and tubes, as discussed above, could come in a variety ofshapes and include a variety of locking, stopping, and release featuresincluding a spring-loaded button, a manually-inserted peg, button andhole release/braking, friction braking, geared braking, gas-cushionedbraking, or toothed braking with a toothed track along the tubes 120 anda toothed insert within the slide 108.

Other hand positions could also be supported using bar ends (e.g. asshown in FIG. 10) for climbing positions and other personal ridingpreference.

It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects ofthe invention have been shown and described, the invention is notlimited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desiredto be secured by Letters Patent is:
 1. A bicycle handlebar assemblycomprising: a horizontal crossbar engaging a bicycle stem, thehorizontal crossbar including a left end and a right end; a steering barassembly including at least one steering bar having a respectiveproximal end affixed to said horizontal crossbar and a distal endextending away from said horizontal crossbar; a forearm support placedin proximity with said horizontal crossbar and said steering bar; saidat least one steering bar further including a grip portion located atsaid distal end, said grip portion including brake and gearing controlsfor controlling said bicycle; and a crossbar extension raising saidcrossbar above the stem of the bicycle.
 2. The bicycle handlebarassembly of claim 1, wherein said crossbar extension is a U-shapedstructural member.
 3. The bicycle handlebar assembly of claim 1, beingconfigured to be transformed during operation of the bicycle from afirst, raised position to a second, lowered position.
 4. The bicyclehandlebar assembly of claim 4, further comprising: a slide connected tosaid horizontal crossbar, said slide slidingly engaged with a rampengaged with said bicycle stem; and a trigger mechanism configured torelease said slide about said ramp, such that said bicycle handlebarassembly can slide back and up to said first, raised position and downand forward toward said second, lowered position.
 5. The bicyclehandlebar assembly of claim 5, wherein said trigger mechanism comprisesa switch configured to control a locking element configured to operate arelease and re-locking mechanism for said slide along said ramp, saidlocking element selected from the list comprising: an electric servo andelectric motor.
 6. The bicycle handlebar assembly of claim 5, whereinsaid trigger mechanism comprises a switch configured to control anelectric motor which drives said slide.
 7. The bicycle handlebarassembly of claim 5, wherein said trigger mechanism comprises a leverconfigured to control a cable-actuated release which engages said slide.8. The bicycle handlebar assembly of claim 5, further comprising: saidsteering bar assembly comprising a pair of steering bars configured tobe moved between a first position and a second position horizontallyalong said horizontal crossbar; and a trigger mechanism configured torelease said pair of steering bars from said horizontal crossbar suchthat they can be moved from said first position to said second position.9. A bicycle handlebar assembly comprising: a bicycle stem connectoraffixed to a block; a ramp affixed to said block and slidingly engaginga slide which is affixed to a horizontal crossbar including a left endand a right end; a pair of steering bars each having a respectiveproximal end affixed to said horizontal crossbar and a distal endextending away from said horizontal crossbar, a first of said pair ofsteering bars located in proximity with said left end of said horizontalcrossbar and a second of said pair of steering bars located in proximitywith said right end of said horizontal crossbar; forearm supports placedin proximity with said horizontal crossbar and said steering bars; eachof said pair of steering bars further including a grip portion locatedat said distal end, said grip portion including brake and gearingcontrols for controlling said bicycle; wherein said block prevents saidslide from sliding past said block; and a trigger mechanism configuredto release said slide from said ramp, such that said bicycle handlebarassembly can slide back and up to said first, raised position and downand forward toward said second, lowered position.
 10. The bicyclehandlebar assembly of claim 10, wherein said trigger mechanism islocated on one of said pair of steering bars.
 11. The bicycle handlebarassembly of claim 10, wherein said ramp comprises a pair of tubes, eachlocated on a respective side of said bicycle stem.
 12. The bicyclehandlebar assembly of claim 12, wherein said slide comprises a pair ofreceivers, each receiver placed about a respective one of said pair oftubes.
 13. The bicycle handlebar assembly of claim 10, wherein saidtrigger mechanism comprises a switch configured to control an electricmotor which drives said slide.
 14. The bicycle handlebar assembly ofclaim 14, wherein said trigger mechanism comprises a switch configuredto control a locking element configured to operate a release andre-locking mechanism for said slide along said ramp, said lockingelement selected from the list comprising: an electric servo; andelectric motor.
 15. The bicycle handlebar assembly of claim 10, whereinsaid trigger mechanism comprises a lever configured to control acable-actuated release which engages said slide.
 16. The bicyclehandlebar assembly of claim 10, further comprising: said pair ofsteering bars configured to be moved between a first position and asecond position horizontally along said horizontal crossbar; and atrigger mechanism configured to release said pair of steering bars fromsaid horizontal crossbar such that they can be moved from said firstposition to said second position.